New breweries to blaze, add to trail

By Kimberly Dupps Truesdell | The Journal Gazette

The Northern Indiana Beer Trail began as an idea among local breweries as a way to support one another and encourage beer enthusiasts and newbies alike to visit.

When it debuted last year, there was a passport that participants could download to take to the nearly 20 breweries on the list. Participants collect stamps and earn swag for reaching different tiers.

The trail will expand soon with two new breweries set to open in Fort Wayne – Fortlandia Brewing Co. and Dot & Line Brewing Co.

Fortlandia is a nano brewery that was created by four award-winning home brewers. Operating off a one-barrel system, co-owner Dan Voors says, will allow the brewery to create small batches that push the limits of craft beer. Voors says the team hopes to open its doors at 1010 Spring St. this spring.

Dot & Line has been taking the craft beer circuit by storm, bringing its beer to events such as Brewed IN the Fort and the recent Bluffton BRRR Fest.

Josh Volz, marketing director for Mad Anthony Brewing Co., says the beer trail will do a second printing of its passports this spring as the program continues to gain traction.

For wine lovers, there's also an Indiana Grown Wine Trail that continues to expand.

Plans were announced in May, and it was created as a way to connect local wine enthusiasts with Indiana wineries.

There are more than 30 participating locations, with each winery offering a unique experience and putting a local twist on an assortment of wine varieties.

Free trail maps are available on the Indiana Grown website or at participating vineyards. Each time an enthusiast visits one of the locations, a stamp will be added to their map. Once the map is complete, it can be mailed to Indiana Grown for a free wooden wine stopper. There is no time limit for completion.

Area participants include Satek Winery in Fremont, Two EE's Winery in Huntington and Country Heritage Winery in LaOtto.